Dr. Eleftherios Zachariou is a highly skilled Obstetrician & Gynecologist, specializing in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (laparoscopy & robotics). He earned his MD and PhD in Anatomy from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. With extensive expertise in gynecologic oncology, endoscopic surgery, and infertility, he is actively involved in research, surgical training, and international collaborations.

Currently, he serves as a consultant in robotic and laparoscopic surgery at Metropolitan General Hospital, Athens, and collaborates with multiple private hospitals in Greece.

Education & Certifications

• Scholarship – National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
• MD – National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
• PhD (Anatomy) – National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (with distinction) “Anatomical study of the sympathetic system in the development of uterine fibroids in human cadaveric tissue”
• Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialty Training – Alexandra Maternity Hospital, Athens
• GESEA Level 2 – Certification in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery granted by European Society of Gynaecologic Endoscopy
• SERGS Level 1 – Certification in Robotic Surgery Certification in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery granted by Society of European Robotic Gynaecologic Surgery (SERGS)
• Bachelor in Endoscopy (GESEA Level 1) – Certification in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery granted by European Society of Gynaecologic Endoscopy
• Advanced Life Support (ERC)

Current Positions

• Consultant, Division of Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgery – Metropolitan General Hospital
• Associate Gynecologist – IASO, MITERA, REA, Henry Dunant, Lefkos Stavros Private Clinics
• Faculty & Trainer – RSEGA

Research & Academic Contributions

• 34 peer-reviewed publications (PubMed-indexed, international & national journals)
• 41 conference presentations (oral & poster)
• Mentor & Trainer in robotic and laparoscopic gynecologic surgery
• Reviewer for medical journals
• 19 Courses & Workshops at the field of Laparoscopic, Robotic surgery and Gynaecologic Oncology

Professional Memberships

• European Society of Gynecologic Oncology (ESGO)
• European Society for Gynecological Endoscopy (ESGE)
• Society of European Robotic Gynecological Surgery (SERGS)
• Hellenic Robotic Gynecological Society (HERGS)

Languages: Greek (Native), English (Fluent, OET Certified)

elefthzach@gmail.com | lefzaxa@med.uoa.gr

Advancing Gynecologic Surgery: The Role of Robotic and Laparoscopic Approaches

Introduction

In recent years, minimally invasive surgical techniques have revolutionized gynecologic surgery, offering patients improved outcomes with reduced surgical trauma. As a specialist in robotic and laparoscopic gynecologic surgery, I have witnessed firsthand how advanced technology, particularly the Da Vinci robotic system, enhances precision, reduces blood loss, shortens recovery time, and minimizes postoperative pain. My expertise in these approaches allows me to provide cutting-edge care for both benign and malignant gynecologic conditions, ensuring safety and efficacy in surgical treatment.

The Evolution of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Traditional open gynecologic surgeries often involve longer hospital stays, increased postoperative pain, and higher complication rates. Laparoscopic surgery emerged as an alternative, reducing invasiveness and improving recovery time. However, the advent of robotic-assisted surgery, especially with the Da Vinci system, has further refined surgical precision, offering unparalleled advantages in complex procedures.

Robotic Surgery: The Future of Gynecologic Surgery

The Da Vinci robotic system allows for enhanced dexterity, tremor filtration, and superior visualization through a 3D high-definition camera. This results in:

• Greater surgical precision due to articulated instruments with a wider range of motion.
• Reduced blood loss and complications, lowering the risk of transfusions.
• Shorter hospital stays, with most patients being discharged within 24-48 hours.
• Less postoperative pain and quicker recovery, leading to faster return to daily activities.

Gynecologic Surgeries Performed Using Robotic and Laparoscopic Techniques
As a consultant in robotic and laparoscopic surgery, I specialize in a wide range of procedures:

1. Hysterectomy (Robotic & Laparoscopic)

• Performed for benign conditions (fibroids, adenomyosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis) and malignant conditions (endometrial cancer, early-stage cervical cancer).
• State-of-the-art technique: Sentinel lymph node mapping using Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence, ensuring precise and minimally invasive staging of endometrial cancer.

2. Myomectomy (Robotic & Laparoscopic)

• Removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, offering fertility-sparing options.
• The robotic approach enhances enucleation precision and ensures meticulous uterine wall reconstruction.

3. Adnexectomy & Ovarian Mass Excision

• Laparoscopic and robotic techniques are employed for removing ovarian cysts, benign ovarian tumors, and prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy in high-risk patients.

4. Sacrocolpopexy for Uterine or Vaginal Vault Prolapse

• The gold standard procedure for pelvic organ prolapse correction, restoring pelvic anatomy and function.
• The robotic approach enhances deep pelvic suturing accuracy, improving long-term outcomes.

Indocyanine Green (ICG) in Gynecologic Oncology: A Game Changer

The use of ICG fluorescence in sentinel lymph node mapping is currently the most accurate and safe technique in the staging of gynecologic malignancies, particularly in endometrial and cervical cancer. This method improves the detection of metastatic spread while reducing the need for extensive lymphadenectomy, decreasing morbidity without compromising oncologic safety.

Why Choose a Robotic and Laparoscopic Approach?

For patients considering surgical intervention for gynecologic conditions, choosing a minimally invasive approach offers:

• Enhanced safety with reduced complications.
• Minimized scarring and better cosmetic results.
• Faster recovery, allowing a quicker return to normal life.

Conclusion

With continuous advancements in robotic and laparoscopic surgery, the future of gynecologic surgery is increasingly focused on precision, patient safety, and improved recovery outcomes. My commitment to providing the latest minimally invasive techniques ensures that my patients receive the highest standard of care, benefiting from cutting-edge technology for optimal surgical success.